Some positive thought as we come into Monday. We are going to make it.

News Type: Other — Mon Jul 6, 2009 2:27 AM EDT

business, economy, home, family, stimulus, freedom, success, hope

Friday night found me sitting on a lit patio, eating dinner with friends. It was a simple last minute get together.

One of my friends, an attorney was reflecting on how tough the year had been. His practice was off. And his real estate broker wife, was dealing with the worst market in recent history. And by recent, I am referring to the 1940's.

Hard to argue with these folks. We were not making the money that had been made in the past. Business was tougher. Things were harder. The Banks were at the root of the economic slow down. And although our administration had made a bold 770 billion dollar attempt at reviving the economy, Lending had tapered off to near nothing. A sad state of affairs.

As I listened to the discourse, I looked around at the candle lit , summer yard that surounded me. Wine Glasses, barbecue, that perfect summer night temperature. Just enough breeze to keep the mosquito's away.

And then it hit me in the side of the head like a sledge hammer.

Out of my mouth came the following profound words, as though I was channeling a complete stranger." You know, there are different levels of down and out" . There are different levels of hard and busted. My friend's wife gave me a glance, acknowledged my diatribe with a smile.

She knew several past , top producing real estate associates that were living out of their cars. Million dollar club members that had fallen by the road side.

Slipping in and out of motel lobbies, and gas station rest rooms, for a fast clean up. Sad commentary for a sad time.

Tomorrow morning, as I schlep off to work, I will be grateful.

I will be grateful that I have a home. That I still have some income and credit. That I have not missed many meals.

I will be grateful for what I have today. Because, it could be worse. I could be living out of my car. I could be out on the streets.

To my friends that are not doing very well, and I have a few, I wish you better days.

I hope that the economy will begin to turn for you soon. I wish a solid job comes your way. May your housing stabilize. May your Bank stay open. I wish you and your family the very best. We are in this together as a nation. Hang in there . We are going to make it America.

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2.7

{"commentId":8047857,"authorDomain":"prm-1"}

Raymond Max

I'm one of those that believes that our economy will recover. I still believe in the fundamental truths that built the America that I grew up in.

Sure, things are messed up. Certainly we have questionable politicians. Unconscionable laws on the books that must be changed.

Regulations that must be in placed and others revoked. It will take time, but we can collectively return America to a country that we can all be proud of.

Sound off, you need to be heard. May you all have a great Monday. Ray.

{"commentId":8047857,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"prm-1"}

1 vote

#1 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 2:39 AM EDT

{"commentId":8048355,"authorDomain":"Boonie"}

IL Boy

Good Morning RayMax,

Sometimes you just have to look at things in a different light(maybe candle light) to really appreciate things. For the last month it's been sunrise for me.

I am one of the fortunate ones that have a job to get up to. Work here has been hit and miss for many. More miss than hit . I was off for 2-1/2 months this sping myself.

Being a Union Ironworker here in the midwest has changed over the last couple years. Alot of the winter work that many count on has disappeared like plant maintainance and upgrades. Many of the major plants are closed or downsizing. i.e. GM and locally 2 cement mills and a steel mill. New construction is also suffering. Instead of building new many companies are able to move into other failed locations.

The majority of our work now lies in Government hands. Some of the federal money has come through for the well over due roadway and bridge projects that are employing many trades as we speak.

Green money funds are also helping here too. I'm working at one of three windfarm projects in our local erecting 150 towers on our project. There are other projects pending that might put Illinois right behind Texas in wind energy.

So as I sit here with coffee brewing, putting on my work boots hearing the birds chirp with the rising sun, it gives me hope and faith that all will be well once more.

{"commentId":8048355,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"Boonie"}

1 vote

#1.1 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 5:35 AM EDT

{"commentId":8051433,"authorDomain":"prm-1"}

Raymond Max

Good morning Il Boy. Yours is a good story. I'm sure that you were as worried about work as any a few months ago. Thanks for sharing, and best of luck to those that are still searching for work this morning. P.S. That's on hell of a wind farm. Be safe.

{"commentId":8051433,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"prm-1"}

1 vote

#1.2 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 10:59 AM EDT

{"commentId":8064231,"authorDomain":"arlene-2"}

Arlene Tognetti

I am with you Raymond Max

America's best days are ahead of her...

and so many times, I have told my students and clients

We are going to make it.

We toasted to America's birthday on the 4th and we continue to

work in our community in Seattle and Tacoma ...volunteering, helping

out in many ways.....Jobs are difficult to find and yes, may not pay what

one has been used to. But we are starting anew....just like starting at

any new job...you start low and you build ......Slowly we will build up,

as before...

Thanks for this article!

Stay focused, stay positive and get involved in our new economy

Arlene in Seattle

{"commentId":8064231,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"arlene-2"}

1 vote

#1.3 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 8:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":8067938,"authorDomain":"prm-1"}

Raymond Max

Welcome Arlene. You are awesome. Positive thought will turn our nation around.

It is in fact, a major component of basis econ 101. Confidence is a key ingredient in success. Positive thoughts is what drive confidence.

The last two years have been a challenge for most, I know. I'm looking forward to a great third and fourth quarter in 2009. The signs are in place. Let's run with it.

Thank you. Ray.

{"commentId":8067938,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"prm-1"}

#1.4 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 11:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":8051677,"authorDomain":"JenW"}

Jen-346200

I felt a little better reading this; thank you. I am not living out of a car yet, but retired just before things crashed. I lost most of my retirement savings and the hopes for a comfortable retired life. It makes me feel not so alone and stupid (I really could not predict this, not in a million years). Every week when I go to buy groceries it seems that the total bill is higher and higher for less food. I have stopped my hypertension med and of course routine doctor visits. Definitely not what I envisioned retirement to be.

{"commentId":8051677,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"JenW"}

1 vote

#2 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 11:09 AM EDT

{"commentId":8059778,"authorDomain":"prm-1"}

Raymond Max

Welcome Jen. Your right, you are not alone. However, your hypertension meds are critical. Many pharmacies including Walmart have discounts for seniors/ retiree's. Please look into it. Your more important than money.

Have your retirement funds recovered at all with the market?. Best wishes to you. Ray.

{"commentId":8059778,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"prm-1"}

1 vote

#2.1 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 5:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":8064705,"authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

ThreeCents

Ray,

Great piece. Every once in while, I think it is good for me to step back and consider what I have. I am fortunate and believe that, by whatever path our country stumble along, we will eventually walk again.

{"commentId":8064705,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

1 vote

#3 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 8:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":8067966,"authorDomain":"prm-1"}

Raymond Max

Your Three Cents worth are greatly appreciated. Thanks for dropping buy.

{"commentId":8067966,"threadId":"620150","contentId":"2979095","authorDomain":"prm-1"}

#3.1 - Mon Jul 6, 2009 11:37 PM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"620150","isPrivate":false}

RAYMOND MAX

Backyard

Some positive thought as we come into Monday. We are going to make it.

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